Dhananjay Munde Resigns from Maharashtra Cabinet Following Aide's Alleged Role in Murder

The NCP minister stepped down under pressure after videos of a brutal killing linked to his election manager surfaced, intensifying political and community tensions.

Dhananjay Munde, a senior NCP leader and Maharashtra's food and civil supplies minister, resigned citing health reasons but faced mounting pressure over his aide's alleged involvement in a murder case.
The resignation followed leaked videos showing the torture and killing of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, a case that has fueled tensions between Maratha and OBC communities in the region.
Munde's close associate and election manager, Walmik Karad, was implicated in the murder, leading to widespread demands for Munde's dismissal from both opposition and ruling coalition members.
Ajit Pawar, the NCP leader and Maharashtra deputy chief minister, initially resisted calls for Munde's resignation, citing a lack of direct involvement, but eventually supported the decision as public outrage grew.
The incident has strained alliances within the ruling coalition and highlighted ongoing Maratha-OBC tensions, with the NCP now grappling with political fallout and efforts to repair its image.